Method and system for using an external bus controller in embedded disk controllers

ABSTRACT

An embedded disk controller comprises a first processor in communication with a first bus and a second processor in communication with a second bus. An external bus controller (“EBC”) is located on the embedded disk controller, is coupled to an external bus and to at least one of the first bus and the second bus, and manages a plurality of memory devices external to the embedded disk controller via the external bus. A first one of the plurality of memory devices has at least one of different timing characteristics and a different data width than a second one of the plurality of memory devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/385,056 filed on Mar. 10, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,182, issued May 15, 2007. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the following U.S. patent applications assigned to the same assignee, filed on even date herewith and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING MULTIPLE EXTERNAL SERIAL PORT DEVICES USING A SERIAL PORT CONTROLLER IN AN EMBEDDED DISK CONTROLLER”, Docket Number QE1042.US, Ser. No. 10/385,039, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,771, issued May 2, 2006 with MICHAEL R. SPAUR AND IHN KIM as inventors.

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC TIME BASE ADJUSTMENT FOR DISK DRIVE SERVO CONTROLLERS”, Docket NUMBER QE1040.US, Ser. No. 10/384,992, WITH MICHAEL R. SPAUR AND RAYMOND A. SANDOVAL as inventors.

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EMBEDDED DISK CONTROLLERS”, Docket No. QE1034.US, Ser. No. 10/385,022, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,188, issued Jul. 18, 2006, with LARRY L. BYERS, PAUL B. RICCI, JOSEPH G. KRISCUNAS, JOSEBA M. DESUBIJANA, GARY R. ROBECK, DAVID M. PURDHAM and MICHAEL R. SPAUR as inventors.

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING AN INTERRUPT CONTROLLER IN EMBEDDED DISK CONTROLLERS”, Ser. No. 10/384,991, Docket No. QE1039.US, with DAVID M. PURDHAM, LARRY L. BYERS and ANDREW ARTZ as inventors.

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING EMBEDDED DISK CONTROLLER COMPONENTS”, Ser. No. 10/385,042, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,099,963, issued Aug. 29, 2006, Docket Number QE1038.US, with LARRY L. BYERS, JOSEBA M. DESUBIJANA, GARY R. ROBECK, and WILLIAM W. DENNIN as inventors.

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING SERVO FIELD DATA FROM PROGRAMMABLE DEVICES IN EMBEDDED DISK CONTROLLERS”, Ser. No. 10/385,405, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,915, issued Jun. 20, 2006, Docket NO. QE1041.US, with MICHAEL R. SPAUR AND RAYMOND A. SANDOVAL as inventors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to disk controllers, and more particularly to an embedded disk controller that includes a hard disk controller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and a servo controller.

2. Background

Conventional computer systems typically include several functional components. These components may include a central processing unit (CPU), main memory, input/output (“I/O”) devices, and disk drives. In conventional systems, the main memory is coupled to the CPU via a system bus or a local memory bus. The main memory is used to provide the CPU access to data and/or program information that is stored in main memory at execution time. Typically, the main memory is composed of random access memory (RAM) circuits. A computer system with the CPU and main memory is often referred to as a host system.

The main memory is typically smaller than disk drives and may be volatile. Programming data is often stored on the disk drive and read into main memory as needed. The disk drives are coupled to the host system via a disk controller that handles complex details of interfacing the disk drives to the host system. Communications between the host system and the disk controller is usually provided using one of a variety of standard I/O bus interfaces.

Typically, a disk drive includes one or more magnetic disks. Each disk typically has a number of concentric rings or tracks on which data is stored. The tracks themselves may be divided into sectors, which are the smallest accessible data units. A positioning head above the appropriate track accesses a sector. An index pulse typically identifies the first sector of a track. The start of each sector is identified with a sector pulse. Typically, the disk drive waits until a desired sector rotates beneath the head before proceeding for a read or write operation. Data is accessed serially, one bit at a time and typically, each disk has its own read/write head.

The disk drive is connected to the disk controller that performs numerous functions, for example, converting digital data to analog head signals, disk formatting, error checking and fixing, logical to physical address mapping and data buffering. To perform the various functions for transferring data, the disk controller includes numerous components.

Typically, the data buffering function is used to transfer data between the host and the disk. Data buffering is needed because the speed at which the disk drive can supply data or accept data from the host is different than the speed at which the host can correspondingly read or supply data. Conventional systems include a buffer memory that is coupled to the disk controller. The buffer memory temporarily stores data that is being read from or written to the disk drive.

Conventionally, when data is read from the disk drive, a host system sends a read command to the disk controller, which stores the read command into the buffer memory. Data is read from the disk drive and stored in the buffer memory. An ECC module determines the errors that occur in the data and appropriately corrects those errors in the buffer memory. Once it is determined that there are no errors, data is transferred from the buffer memory to the host system.

Conventional disk controllers do not have an embedded processor or specific modules that can efficiently perform the complex functions expected from disk controllers.

Conventional disk controllers cannot access plural external memory having different timing characteristics. In addition, conventional controllers do not easily permit use of different bus data width to which external memory is coupled.

Conventional disk controllers do not have a built in module that can track bus activity and hence provide valuable information for de-bugging. In conventional disk controllers, the disk controller must be coupled to an external bus analyzer to debug and/or monitor bus activity. This process is cumbersome and requires additional pins on the disk controller. In addition, conventional monitoring techniques cannot easily isolate components within the disk controller that need to be monitored.

Conventional disk controllers do not have a dedicated module that controls, prioritizes and generates interrupts.

Therefore, what is desired is an embedded disk controller system that can efficiently function in the fast paced, media storage environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a system for an embedded disk controller is provided. The system includes a first main processor operationally coupled to a high performance bus and a second processor operationally coupled to a peripheral bus. The system further includes an external bus interface controller (“EBC”) for managing devices external to the system via an external bus interface, wherein the EBC is coupled to the high performance bus and includes at least a segment descriptor register and at least a device range register. The segment descriptor register allows firmware to program timing characteristics of the devices. The device range register enables the first main processor to access an address space in the devices.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling devices external to an embedded disk controller with a first main processor operationally coupled to a high performance bus and a second processor operationally coupled to a peripheral bus is provided. The method includes receiving an input signal; determining the external device's timing characteristics and device range that is a target for a read or write cycle; and asserting a write enable or read enable signal based on the input signal.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the system with an external bus interface controller (“EBC”) for managing devices external to an embedded disk controller is provided. The system includes a state machine logic with a first idle state until a valid input signal is received; a first decoding stage for decoding an address to determine which external device is a target for a read or write cycle; a second decoding stage that avoids data extension on an external bus; and a chip select signal stage during which an output signal is generated.

In one aspect of the present invention, the main processor in an embedded disk controller can access multiple devices with different timing characteristics or data width.

This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features and other features of the present invention will now be described. In the drawings, the same components have the same reference numerals. The illustrated embodiment is intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. The drawings include the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hard disk controller in the prior art;

FIGS. 2A-2B (referred herein as FIG. 2) is a block diagram of an embedded disk controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C (referred herein as FIG. 4) show a table with various input signals to the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C (referred herein as FIG. 5) show a table with various output signals from the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a table showing a register map used by the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 7-9 show various registers with plural fields that are used by the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 10-13 show various timing diagrams for the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a state machine diagram of the external bus controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 17A-17B (referred herein as FIG. 17) show a table with various input signals to the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a table showing various output signals from the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a table showing a register map used by the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 20-26 show various registers with various fields that are used by the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 27A-27B (referred herein as FIG. 27) show a functional block diagram of the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a process flow diagram for generating interrupts, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a process flow diagram for setting interrupt priority, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a state machine diagram used by the interrupt controller, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of history module, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 32A-1 to 32A4-4 show a table with various input signals to the history module, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 32B is a table showing various output signals from the history module, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 33-43 show various registers with various fields that are used by the history module, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 44A-44B (referred to herein as FIG. 44) show a functional block diagram of the history module, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a flow diagram of process steps for updating a history stack pointer, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 46-49 show various registers with various fields that are used as “mail boxes”, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 50 shows a flow diagram of process steps for inter-processor communication, according to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIGS. 51-53 show various registers with various fields that are used for indirect access of a memory module, according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate an understanding of the preferred embodiment, the general architecture and operation of a disk controller will be described initially. The specific architecture and operation of the preferred embodiment will then be described.

The disk drive system of FIG. 1 is an example of an internal (hard) disk drive included in a computer system. The host computer (not shown) and the disk drive communicate via port 102, which is connected to a data bus (not shown). In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the disk drive is an external storage device, which is connected to the host computer via a data bus. The data bus, for example, is a bus in accordance with a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) specification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other communication buses known in the art can be used to transfer data between the disk drive and the host system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the disk drive includes disk controller 101, which is coupled to SCSI port 102, disk port 114, buffer memory 111 and microprocessor 100. Interface 118 serves to couple microprocessor bus 107 to microprocessor 100. It is noteworthy that microprocessor 100 is not on the same chip as disk controller 101. A read only memory (“ROM”) omitted from the drawing is used to store firmware code executed by microprocessor 100. Disk port 114 couples disk controller 101 to disk 115.

As is standard in the industry, data is stored on disk 115 in sectors. Each sector is byte structured and includes various fields, referred to as the sector format. A typical sector format includes a logical block address (“LBA”) of about four bytes followed by a data field of about 512 bytes. The LBA contains position information, for example, cylinder, head and sector numbers. A field for a CRC checksum of 4 bytes typically follows the data field. A subsequent field for a number of ECC bytes, for example 40-80 bytes, is located at the end of the sector.

Controller 101 can be an integrated circuit (IC) (or application specific integrated circuit “ASIC”) that comprises of various functional modules, which provide for the writing and reading of data stored on disk 115. Microprocessor 100 is coupled to controller 101 via interface 118 to facilitate transfer of data, address, timing and control information. Buffer memory 111 is coupled to controller 101 via ports to facilitate transfer of data, timing and address information.

Data flow controller 116 is connected to microprocessor bus 107 and to buffer controller 108. An ECC module 109 and disk formatter 112 are both connected to microprocessor bus 107. Disk formatter 112 is also coupled to data and control port 113 and to data bus 107.

SCSI controller 105 includes programmable registers and state machine sequencers that interface with SCSI port 102 on one side and to a fast, buffered direct memory access (DMA) channel on the other side.

Sequencer 106 supports customized SCSI sequences, for example, by means of a 256-location instruction memory that allows users to customize command automation features. Sequencer 106 is organized in accordance with the Harvard architecture, which has separate instruction and data memories. Sequencer 106 includes, for example, a 32-byte register file, a multi-level deep stack, an integer algorithmic logic unit (ALU) and other special purpose modules. Sequencer 106 support's firmware and hardware interrupts schemes. The firmware interrupt allows microprocessor 100 to initiate an operation within Sequencer 106 without stopping sequencer operation. Hardware interrupt comes directly from SCSI controller 105.

Disk formatter 112 is a disk interface controller and performs control operations when microprocessor 100 loads all required control information and parameter values into a writable control store (WCS) RAM (not shown) and issues a command. Disk formatter 112 executes the command with no microprocessor 100 intervention.

Buffer controller 108 can be a multi-channel, high speed DMA controller. Buffer controller 108 connects buffer memory 111 to disk formatter 112 and to an ECC channel of ECC module 109, a SCSI channel of SCSI controller 105 and micro-controller bus 107. Buffer controller 108 regulates data movement into and out of buffer memory 111.

To read data from disk 115, a host system sends a read command to disk controller 101, which stores the read commands in buffer memory 111. Microprocessor 100 then read the command out of buffer memory 111 and initializes the various functional blocks of disk controller 101. Data is read from disk 115 and is passed through disk formatter 112 simultaneously to buffer controller 108 and to ECC module 109. Thereafter, ECC module 109 provides the ECC mask for errors, which occurred during the read operation, while data is still in buffer controller 108. The error is corrected and corrected data is sent to buffer memory 111, and then passed to the host system.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embedded disk controller system 200 according to one aspect of the present invention that not only includes the functionality of disk controller 101, but also includes various other features to meet the demands of storage industry. System 200 may be an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”).

System 200 includes a microprocessor (“MP”) 240 (which is also the overall system processor) that performs various functions described below. MP 240 may be a Pentium® Class processor designed and developed by Intel Corporation® or an ARM processor (for example, ARM966E-S®) or any other processor. MP 240 is operationally coupled to various system 200 components via buses 236 and 208. Bus 236 may be an Advanced High performance (AHB) bus as specified by ARM Inc. Bus 208 may an Advanced Peripheral Bus (“APB”) as specified by ARM Inc. The specifications for AHB and APB are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It is noteworthy that the present invention is not limited to any particular bus or bus standard.

Arbiter 245 arbitrates access to AHB bus 236, while APB bridge 235 is used to communicate between buses 236 and 208.

System 200 is also provided with a random access memory (RAM) or static RAM (SRAM) 238 that stores programs and instructions, which allows MP 240 to execute computer instructions. MP 240 may execute code instructions (also referred to as “firmware”) out of RAM 238.

System 200 is also provided with read only memory (ROM) 237 that stores invariant instructions, including basic input/output instructions.

MP 240 includes a TAP controller 242 that performs various de-bugging functions.

MP 240 is also coupled to an External Bus Interface Bridge (or Controller) (“EBC” also referred to as “EBI” or “EBI controller”) 228 via an external bus interface (“EBI/F”) 227. EBC 228 allows system 200 via MP 240 and EBI/F 227 to read and write data using an external bus, for example, a storage device external to system 200, including FLASH memory, read only memory and static RAM. EBC 228 may be used to control external memory (not shown), as discussed in detail below. EBI/F 227 may be programmed to interface with plural external devices.

System 200 includes an interrupt controller (“IC”) 207 that can generate regular interrupts (IRQ 207A) or a fast interrupt (FIQ 207B) to MP 240. In one aspect of the present invention, IC 207 is an embedded system that can generate interrupts and arbitrates between plural interrupts. IC 207 is described below in detail.

System 200 includes a serial interface (“UART”) 201 that receives information via channel 203 and transmits information via channel 204.

System 200 includes registers 209 that include configuration, system control, clock and power management information.

System 200 also includes an address break point and history module (also referred to as “history module” or “history stack”) 234 that monitors activity on busses 236 and 208 and builds a history stack. Such history stack may be used for debugging, and monitoring plural components of system 200. History module 234 is discussed below in detail.

System 200 also includes a timer module 206 that controlled by MP 240 and includes various timers, for example, the “Watchdog timer”.

System 200 is provided with a general purpose input/output (“GPIO”) module 202 that allows GPIO access to external modules (not shown).

System 200 is also provided with a digital signal processor (“DSP”) 229 that controls and monitors various servo functions through DSP interface module (“DSPIM”) 210 and servo controller interface 212 operationally coupled to a servo controller 216.

DSPIM 109 interfaces DSP 229 with MP 240 and updates a tightly coupled memory module (TCM) 212 (also referred to as “memory module” 212) with servo related information. MP 240 can access TCM 212 via DSPIM 210.

Servo controller interface (“SCI”)21 1 includes an APB interface 214 that allows SCI 211 to interface with APB bus 208 and allows SC 216 to interface with MP 240 and DSP 229. SCI 211 also includes DSPAHB interface 215 that allows access to DSPAHB bus 233. SCI 211 is provided with a digital to analog/analog to digital converter 213 that converts data from analog to digital domain and vice-versa. Analog data 223 enters module 213 and leaves as data 222 to a servo drive 221.

SC 212 has a read channel device (RDC) interface 217, a spindle motor control (“SVC”) interface 219, a head integrated circuit(HDIC) interface 218 and servo data (“SVD”) interface 219A.

System 200 also includes a hard disk controller 101A that is similar to the HDC 101 and includes a code cache 101B.

In one aspect of the present invention, because system 200 includes, dual embedded processors (MP 240 and DSP 229) with dedicated history module 234, IC module 207, servo controller and EBC 228, it can perform various functions independently. This not only saves the resources of MP 240 but also improves communication between a host and an external device.

In another aspect, embedded processors (MP 240 and DSP 229) provide independent real time control, with one processor as the system control processor (MP 240) and the second processor (DSP 229) as a slave to the first for real time control of the disk servo mechanism. DSP 229 as a slave also provides real time control for positioning a disk actuator. This includes analyzing error positioning data and outputting error correction data.

Dual processors also provide a real time overlap for processing host commands. For example, one processor may move the actuator while the other processor translates the LBA into physical information and queue host requests.

The dual processors also improve overall performance for the host. It also allows data recovery when ECC cannot correct data failures. Using unique data recovery algorithms and error recovery information data may be recovered if the ECC module 109 fails to dynamically correct the data.

The following describes the various components of system 200 in detail, according to various aspects of the present invention.

EBC 228

EBC 228 is a slave on AHB bus 236 and adapts the high performance of AHB bus 236 to a slower external bus (not shown) that can support external memory (including without limitation, flash memory, ROM, and static memory (not shown)). FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of EBC 228 with various input signals (300-313) and output signals (314-323). FIG. 4 provides a table describing signals 300-313 and FIG. 5 provides a table describing signals 314-323.

In one aspect of the present invention, MP 240 via EBC 228 may access multiple devices with different timing characteristics or data width. At least a Segment Descriptor register is provided, which specifies the timing characteristic of each external device. Also provided is at least a device range register, which specifies the size of the external device address space. Depending on the external bus data width, EBC 228 may convert AHB bus 236 transactions into multiple external bus transactions.

FIG. 6 provides a register map 600 for EBC 228, according to one aspect of the present invention. Register map 600 includes segment descriptor registers 601, device range registers 602, and EBC 228 configuration register 603.

Each device segment descriptor register 601 may be formatted the same way with the same fields. Segment descriptor registers 601 allow firmware to program timing characteristics for an external memory device on an external memory bus. For example, as shown in the table of FIG. 6, four segment descriptor registers 601 may include timing intervals for four different devices. It is noteworthy that the example in FIG. 6 is only to illustrate the adaptive aspects of the present invention and not to limit the number of devices to just four. Any number of devices may be used.

FIG. 7 provides a description of the segment register 601 values. MP 240 writes the values in segment registers 601 during initialization. Register(s) 601 includes various values (601A-601G) that allow the firmware to program timing characteristics for an external memory device. Values include a Write Hold Wait State (WHW) 601A, Transaction Recovery Wait States 601B, Setup 2 Wait States (SW2) 601C, Setup 1 Wait States (SW1) 601D, Data Width (DW) 601E, Write Wait States (WW) 601F and Read Wait State (RW) 601G, as described in FIG. 7.

DW 601E specifies the data width of an external bus device (not shown). A state machine may be used by EBC 228 to use the various register 601 values, as shown by the state machine diagram in FIG. 15 and discussed below. It is noteworthy that the invention is not limited to the command terminology of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 provides a description of device range registers 602. An enable (“EN”) bit 602A is set to access the address range of a device, while the device range (DvRng) 602B specifies the number of blocks that may be addressed within the device address space. MP 240 to allow access to the address space within a particular device address initializes device range register 602.

FIG. 9 shows the plural fields (603A and 603B) used for configuring EBC 228. Device allocation bit 603B specifies the number of devices allocated on the external bus (not shown) and field 603A is used to read the external bus width as supported by EBC 228.

FIG. 14 shows a functional block diagram of system 1400 used in EBC 228 for supporting plural external devices. Input signals 302 and 307 from AHB bus 236 are sent to a validation module 1401 that validates the incoming signals. A valid signal is then sent to state machine logic 1402.

System 1400 includes a set of registers, for example, HaddrReg 1408, HwriteReg 1411 and HsizeReg 1412 register and their usage is described below.

FIG. 15 shows a state machine diagram of process steps used by state machine logic 1402. The following provides a description of the plural states used by state machine logic 1402 to implement the adaptive aspects of the present invention.

State S0: This is an idle state, until a valid operation on the bus is received.

State S1: This is a first stage for decoding an address in HaddreReg 1408 to determine which external device if any, is the target for a read or write cycle. After determining the target external device, various counter values, as shown in FIG. 15, are loaded during this state.

State S2: This is a second state during which state machine 1402 remains in this stage until the SW1 601D and TRW 601B values expire to avoid data contention on the external bus.

State S3: The state machine stays in this state for at least one clock cycle with all external bus controls as being inactive. This state is only used for sequential write operations.

State S4: During this state the appropriate chip select signal (XCS 317) is asserted while the write enable (XWEn 319) or output enable (XOEn 318) are deasserted, until SW2 601C expires.

State S5: The state machine logic 1402 stays in this state until a current read or write operation is completed. During this state the chip select, write enable or out enable signals are asserted. For write commands, EBC 228 writes data and for read operation, EBC 228 reads data.

State S6: This state is entered only during write operations and is used to provide write data hold time. During this state, EBC 228 continues to drive the write data on the external bus while it keeps the write enable signal de-asserted.

State S7: During this state, registers within EBC 228 are read or written.

The relationship between the various states is shown in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 10-13 show various timing diagrams using input signals 300-313 and output signals 314-323 with respect to the functional block diagram of system 1400 and the state diagram of FIG. 15.

FIG. 10 shows a diagram for a half word read access to a 16 bit external bus.

FIG. 11 shows a diagram for a word read access to a 16 bit external bus.

FIG. 12 shows a diagram for a half word write access to a 16 bit external bus.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram for a word write access to a 16 bit external bus.

Interrupt Controller (“IC”) 207:

IC 207 synchronizes and prioritizes interrupt signals as a slave on the APB bus 208. IC 207 handles two types of interrupts, Fast Interrupt Request (“FIQ”) and Interrupt Request (“IRQ”). The interrupts are sent to MP 240. The FIQ 207B is used for critical interrupts as defined by a user or firmware. IRQs 207A are provided for routine interrupts. IC 207 provides the interrupts to MP 240 that interrogates IC 207 to retrieve a particular interrupt with an interrupt vector, as described below. MP 240 may clear the interrupt after retrieving the interrupt information.

In one aspect of the present invention, IC module 207, provides FIQ 207B for critical interrupts, scans interrupts for priority, prevents interrupt source lockout (interlock) in the interrupt service and allows a user to change various interrupt options using firmware.

FIG. 16 shows IC 207 with various input signals (1601-1609) and output signals (1610-1614). FIG. 17 and 18 provide a description of signals 1601-1609 and 1610-1614, respectively.

IC module 207 uses plural registers for controlling interrupts. The base address of IC module 207 is specified in APB Bridge 235. When signal PSELIC 1604 from APB bridge 235 is sent to IC module 207, the base address of IC module 207 is detected by APB bridge 235 and IC module 207 decodes signals PADDR 1605 and PWRITE 1606 to select the appropriate register address. IC module 207 examines signal PADDR 1605 for exceptions. An access to an undefined or reserved register address results in IC module 207 asserting the PADREXCPT signal 1610 to APB Bridge 235. It is noteworthy that this does not change the state of IC module 207. Also, access to an undefined “read” address results in PADREXCPT signal 1610 to APB Bridge 235.

FIG. 19 shows a register map 1900 for IC module 207. Register map 1900 includes a set of registers 1901 for IRQ control and a register 1904 for FIQ control. Register 1902 stores a current FIQ interrupt and register 1903 is used to mask/unmask FIQ ability, via firmware.

FIG. 20 shows details of register 1905 that provides status for an IRQ interrupt. Register 1905 includes field 1905A value for IRQValid. When the bit value for IRQValid is valid (for example, 1) then it indicates that IC module 207 has resolved an IRQ interrupt and the Vector Address field 1905B is valid.

FIG. 21 shows details of register 1903 that allows firmware to mask the Interrupt ability. FIQ interrupt ability may be enabled or disabled by setting up FIQInt Mask field 1903B. In addition, by setting field 1903A, IRQ interrupt sources may be masked.

FIG. 22 shows details of various fields used in register 1904, which is an interrupt control register for FIQ source. MK-Read only field 1904A is a copy of the mask bit from register 1903. Interrupt Request Sent (“IRS”)-Read Only field 1904B is set when MP 240 reads the corresponding interrupt source as the prioritized interrupt from register 1902.

Interrupt Request Pending (“IRP”)-Read Only field 1904C is set when a corresponding interrupt source is asserted. When IRS 1904B is set, IRP 1904C is cleared. In addition, when the source interrupt is masked, IRP 1904C may be cleared. Polarity (“PLR”) 1904D is used to specify the polarity of an interrupt source.

Register 1904 also includes a trigger mode TM value 1904E that specifies the mode of an interrupt source signal. Field 1904E specifies whether the interrupt signal is edge triggered or level sensitive. Use of TM 1904E in register 1904 is discussed below in detail.

FIG. 23 provides various fields that are used in IRQ control register(s) 1901, which are interrupt control registers for IRQ sources. MK-Read only fields 1901A and 1901G are copies of the mask bits from register 1903. Interrupt Request Sent (“IRS”)-Read Only fields 1901B and 1901I are set when MP 240 reads the corresponding interrupt source as the prioritized interrupt from register 1905. Interrupt Request Pending (“IRP”)-Read Only fields 1901C and 1901H are set when a corresponding interrupt source is asserted. When IRS 1901B or 1901I are set, IRP 1901C or 1901H are cleared respectively. In addition, when the source interrupt is masked, IRP 1901C and 1901H may be cleared. Polarity (“PLR”) 1901D and 1901J are used to specify the polarity of the corresponding interrupt sources.

Register(s) 1901 also include trigger mode TM values 1901E and 1901K that specify the mode of the interrupt source signals. Field 1901E and 1901K specify whether the interrupt signal is edge triggered or level sensitive. Use of TM 1901E and 1901K in register(s) 1901 is discussed below in detail.

Fields 1901F and 1901L contain interrupt vector addresses assigned by MP 240 to a corresponding interrupt source. This field specifies a vector address to firmware and specifies the priority of the interrupt with the interrupt source. The vector field in 1905B is updated when an entry in the interrupt control register array (described below) that corresponds to an active interrupt is seen as having a higher priority while the register array is being scanned.

FIG. 24 shows the field used by register 1902. Field 1902A, when valid indicates that there is a fast interrupt request asserted to MP 240. Field 1902A is cleared when register 1902 is read.

FIG. 25 shows the fields used in register 1907. Register 1907 is a control register showing when an interrupt has been sent. Field 1907A is used for a FIQ source and field 1907B is used for IRQ sources, as described below.

FIG. 26 shows the fields for register 1906 used for pending interrupts. Field 1906A is used for an FIQ source and field 1906B is used for IRQ sources, as described below.

FIG. 27 shows a functional block diagram of system 2000 used by IC module 207, in various adaptive aspects of the present invention. FIQ Interrupts:

Input signal 1608 from a FIQ source is sent to module 2005. Module 2005 selects either the FIQ source signal, or a TestSource signal depending on the state of ICIntTestControl 2017. If the FIQ source signal is selected, then it is synchronized by raw interrupt synchronization module 2006. The synchronized signal is sent for FIQ registration to FIQ registration module 2007. Module 2007 includes registers 1904, and 1902.

Signal 1607 is sent to mask module 2004 (that includes register 1903) and to FIQ IC module 2008. Mask module 2004 sends the mask (1903A) to FIQ IC module 2008, which then sends a signal to interrupt generation module 2009. Interrupt generation module 2009 also receives input from IRQ Scanner 2011 and based upon the priority of the request, an interrupt is generated, for example FlQn 1611, SysInt 1614 and IRQn 1613.

When FIQIRP 1904C is set, then a fast interrupt is asserted. The interrupt request signal remains asserted until MP 240 reads register 1902. When register 1902 is read, FlQn signal 1611 is de-asserted by setting FIQIRS 1904B and clearing FIQIRP 1904C.

In one aspect, another interrupt request cannot be made until FIQIRS 1904B is cleared as follows:

(a) If FIQ interrupt source as defined by TM 1904E is level sensitive then the firmware ensures that the FIQ interrupt source is de-asserted and then an end of interrupt (“EOI”) is sent to IC 207 to clear the FIQIRS 1904B state; or

(b) If the FIQ interrupt source as defined by TM 1904E is edge triggered, the firmware need only read register 1902, FIQIRP 1904C is cleared and FIQIRS 1904B is set. In edge triggered mode, FIQIRS clears when the interrupt source de-asserts. The next interrupt does not occur until the interrupt source signal de-asserts, and asserts again.

IRQ Interrupts:

Incoming IRQESOURCE signals 1609 is received by module 2002. Module 2002 selects either the IRQESOURCE signal, or TestSource signals depending on the state of ICTestControl 2015. If the IRQESOURCE signals are selected, then they are synchronized by raw interrupt synchronization module 2003. The synchronized signals are sent for IRQ registration to IRQ registration module 2013. IRQ interrupt registration module 2013 sets the field 1906B in register 1906. Signal 1607 is sent to mask module 2004 (that includes register 1903) and to IRQ Interrupt Registration Module 2013. Mask module 2004 sends the mask (1903A) to IRQ Interrupt Registration module 2013, which then sends signals to the IRQ Priority Evaluation And Scanner module 2011 (also referred herein as “IRQ Scanner 2011”). It is noteworthy that firmware may mask an interrupt before it is sent to MP 240. This de-registers the interrupt by clearing field 1906B.

For each possible interrupt input, information regarding that interrupt is stored in IRQ register control array 1901. Register control array 1901 includes vector values (1901F and 1901L), TM values (1901E and 1901K) and PLR values (1901D and 1901J) for each interrupt source, i.e. even and odd source. MP 240 may write the foregoing values in register control array 1901. Vector values 1901F and 1901L provide the offset for firmware to access the interrupt handler (Not shown) and establish the priority of the interrupt within plural interrupt sources, for example, 16 IRQ sources. It is noteworthy that the invention is not limited to 16 IRQ sources. In one aspect, the highest vector value is given the highest priority. When one of the registers in register control array 1901 is read then, the mask, IRS, IRP, Vector, TM and PLR values are also read at the same time. Output 2012 from register control array 1901 is sent to IRQ scanner 2011 that scans the vector values, as described below. IRQ scanner 2011 provides an input 2011A to interrupt generator 2009 that generates IRQn 1613.

When MP 240 retrieves the IRQ interrupt from IC module 207 it reads register 1905 which sets the IRQIRS bit (1901B or 1901I) associated with the interrupt source in register 1905, which prevents the same interrupt source from generating another interrupt until the IRQIRS bit is cleared.

In one aspect, another interrupt from the same source cannot be made until IRQIRS (1901 B or 19011) is cleared as follows:

(a) If the IRQ interrupt source is defined by TM 1901E or 1901K as level sensitive then the firmware ensures that the IRQ interrupt source is de-asserted. Thereafter, an end of interrupt (“EOI”) is sent to IC 207 to clear the IRQIRS 1901B or 1901I state; or

(b) If the IRQ interrupt source is defined by TM 1901E or 1901K as edge triggered, the firmware need only read register 1905. IRQIRP 1901C or 1901H is cleared and IRQIRS 1901B or 1901I is set. In edge triggered mode, IRQIRS clears when the interrupt source de-asserts. The next interrupt does not occur until the interrupt source signal de-asserts, and asserts again.

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram for IRQ generation with respect to the functional diagram of FIG. 27 and the various registers described above.

In step S2800, an IRQ signal 1609 is received from an interrupt source.

In step S2801, IRQ signal 1609 is selected by logic 2002.

In step S2802, valid IRQ signal 1609A is synchronized by synchronization module 2003.

In step S2803, synchronized IRQ signal 1609B is registered by IRQ interrupt registration module 2013.

In step S2804, registers in register control array 1901 are read.

In step S2805, vector values are scanned (discussed below with respect to FIG. 29).

In step S2806, based on the vector values, output interrupt signal 1613 is sent to MP 240.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram showing executable process steps used by IRQ scanner 2011.

In step S2900, IRQ scanner 2011 receives register values 2012 from register control array 1901 and IRQESOURCE 2013A from IRQ interrupt registration module 2013. IRQ scanner 2011 receives vector values from register control array 1901. IRQ scanner 2011 examines each interrupt during every interrupt cycle

In step S2901, the process determines if an interrupt is being sent (sent as used here includes “pending” interrupts). If an interrupt is being sent (or pending), then in step S2902, IRQ scanner 2011 compares the vector values of the interrupt being sent (or pending) with the scanned vector values of every other active interrupt input in a given interrupt cycle.

In step S2903, IRQ scanner 2011 replaces the previous vector values if the most current vector values have higher priority.

If an interrupt is not being sent (or pending) in step S2901, then in step S2904, IRQ scanner 2011 loads the current vector values from an active interrupt input from S2901 and the process moves to step S2902.

FIG. 30 shows a state diagram for interrupt control, according to one aspect of the present invention. It is noteworthy, that although the state diagram of FIG. 30 shows that it is for IRQ interrupts, the same will also apply for FIQ interrupts. State diagram includes three states 3000, 3001 and 3002. State 3000 is for receiving an interrupt request. State 3001 is an interrupt pending state and state 3002 is an interrupt sent state. Based on the foregoing discussions regarding FIGS. 16-29, the state transitions of state diagram in FIG. 30 are self-explanatory.

In one aspect of the present invention, a fast interrupt scheme is provided so that for critical interrupts, MP 240 does not have to wait.

In another aspect of the present invention, interrupt priority is established efficiently by a scanning process.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, firmware can change priority and mask interrupts from any source, providing flexibility to a user and also optimizes MP 240 usage.

In another aspect of the present invention, use of TM values prevents interlocking of interrupt service by MP 240.

History Module 234:

History module 234 is a peripheral on APB Bus 208 that records transaction information over either AHB Bus 236 and/or APB Bus 208. The recorded information may be used for debugging and analyzing firmware and hardware problems. History module 234 is set up and initiated through APB Bridge 235 and information from History module 234 is extracted through APB Bridge 235. History module 234 includes a buffer(s) (not shown) for reading and writing recorded information.

FIG. 31 shows a top-level block diagram of History Module 234 with plural input and output signals.

FIGS. 32A-1, 32A-2, 32A-3, 32A-4 and 32B provide a description of the input and output signals, respectively.

FIG. 33 provides a listing of a register map 3309 used by History Module 234. Register map 3309 includes various registers that are used for setting up History Module 234 recording and control conditions. The base address of History Module 234 is specified in APB bridge 235 and when PSELABPHS 3108 is asserted to History Module 234, the base address has been detected by APB bridge 235. History Module 234 decodes PADDR 1605 and PWRITE 1606 to select accessed memory mapped registers.

FIG. 34 provides a table for register 3300 with the various fields (3300A-3300J) to control and set up History Module 234. SelectMask 3300A field if set isolates certain components in system for monitoring and recording by History Module 234. Firmware can also filter read and/or write operations. By setting fields 3300B and 3300C, read and/ or write operations are not recorded by History Module 234.

Field 3300J defines break point conditions for History Module 234. Break point conditions are those, which stop recording/monitoring by History Module 234. Field 33001 enables break points, while break point testing stops after a break point is detected, if field 3300E is set.

Trigger mode field 3300G specifies the number of entries made in a History Module 234 buffer after a break point condition is detected.

FIG. 35 shows register 3500 that stores a history stack pointer (referred to as “HstryStkPtr” or “HSP”) 3501. HSP 3501 provides the address of the next entry at a given time, for either reading from, or writing to, the history module 234 buffer.

HSP 3501 may be zero at the beginning of a recording session. Firmware has the flexibility to change HSP 3501 values. In one aspect, firmware may set this value to zero. HSP 3501 allows the firmware to recover a recording regardless of the reason why a recording session stopped. HSP 3501 is incremented each time an entry is accessed from the history stack buffer.

FIG. 36A shows register 3603 that provides the address break point pattern for address break point testing. Field 3602 provides the address break point pattern for such break point testing.

FIG. 36B shows a data/address break point pattern register 3600 (DataAdrBPPReg 3600) that stores break point data pattern (“BPData”) field 3601. BPDATA field 3601 is compared against a data and address break point condition. Based on the selected break point condition and the comparison a break point sets and recording by History Module 234 stops when the trigger mode is satisfied.

FIG. 37 shows register 3700 that includes recorded bus 236 information in history module 234 buffer. When register 3700 is read, history stack pointer 3501 is incremented.

FIG. 38 shows register 3800 that includes recorded APB bus 208 address information (similar to register 3700). Register 3500 is incremented after register 3800 is read.

FIG. 39 shows a control history register 3900 that includes recorded AHB bus 236 information. Register 3500 is incremented after register 3900 is read.

FIG. 40 shows a control history register 4000 that includes recorded APB bus 208 information. Register 3500 is incremented after register 4000 is read.

FIG. 41 shows register 4100, which includes AHB bus 236 or APB bus 208 data specified by the pointer value in register 3500. Register 3500 is incremented after register 4100 is read.

FIG. 42 shows register 4200 that includes a Clear History Stack Buffer (“CHSB”) field 4201. Setting CHSB field 4201 clears HSP 3501. CHSB 4201 is set while zero data is being written to buffers 4313 to 4315.

FIG. 43 shows register 4300 that includes a “Set EnableRecord” field 4300A that may be set by firmware. When field 4300A is set, History module 234 starts recording and the recording stops when field 4300A is cleared.

FIG. 44 is a functional block diagram, of history module 234 that will be described below with respective to various inventive aspects of the present inventions. History module 234 may be setup by firmware to perform its various function. Control information is written to register 3300. If a break point is desired for address and/or data, or address range, then MP 240 sets registers 3600 and 3603.

To start history module 234, field 4300A of register 4300 is set, that allows recording when signals HREADY 307 or PENABLE 1607 are asserted. In one aspect of the present invention, history module 234 may record data simultaneously for buses 236 and 208. This allows history module 234 to write in buffers 4313, 4314 and 4315. Although FIG. 44 shows three buffers for address, control and data information, the invention is not limited to the number of buffers used by history module 234. For example, only one or more buffers may be used to implement the adaptive aspects of the present invention.

History module 234 continues to make entries until a break point (or event) is reached as defined by fields 3300I and 3330J in register 3300 or field 4300A is cleared by firmware, as discussed below in detail.

Valid Recorded Entry: Before recording, buffers 4313, 4314 and 4315 are cleared by firmware issuing a “clear History stack Buffer Access 4201 command. All valid entries in buffer 4314 are cleared. When recording, field 4201 is toggled each time an entry is made in buffers 4313-4315.

Break Point and Break Point Interrupt: Firmware can set field 3300I to enable a break point defined by break point condition field 3300J. Event control module 4336 generates field 4300A value that is sent to flip-flop module 4323. Firmware can set field 4300A value that enables flip-flop module 4323. History module 234 tests for break point condition 3300J in every clock cycle as defined by firmware.

When history module 234 detects the defined break point condition then it stops recording bus transactions based on TM value 3300G and an interrupt may be generated, as discussed below. After a break point is detected, history module 234 stops recording and based on field 3300E setting either continues to test for the break condition or stops testing for the break point condition.

An interrupt is generated based on the detection of the break point condition and if field 3300F is set, after the interrupt source is enabled in IC module 207.

Break points may be set for address and/or data or address range based on fields 3601 and 3602. Firmware may also send a “Clear Enable Record status” field 4300A to trigger a firmware break point, if a firmware break point condition is set in 3300J.

Clock Slam: When a break point condition is detected, and if field 3300D is enabled (Enable clock Slam), history module 234 asserts signal ClkSlam 4343 to clock control via flip-flop module 4340. Break point condition 3300J′, which indicates that a break point condition has occurred, is sent to event control module 4336 with trigger mode value 3300G. This stops all the clocks in system 200. This signal remains asserted until system 200 is reset. This allows system 200 component information to be scanned out for analysis and diagnosis using standard debugging tools.

Filter Control: History module 234 can selectively filter out system 200 components based on filter control command 4324. Filter control command 4324 is based on select mask field 3300A in register 3300. If field 3300A is set then transactions related to, a specific peripheral(s) or slave (depending on the bus) is not recorded.

Trigger Mode:

Trigger mode field 3300G specifies the number of entries that are made in buffers 4313-4315 after a break point condition has been detected. In one aspect, field 3300G may be set so that history module 207 stops recording within a single clock cycle, or may continue to record a pre-defined amount of data before stopping.

Starting and Stopping Recording:

History module 234 starts and stops recording based on register 4300 fields. Field 4300A when set to “EnableRcrdReg”, allows history module 234 to record. Setting “Clear Enable Record and Status” bit in field 4300A stops history module 234 from recording and break point testing, unless specified otherwise by firmware.

Bus (208 and 236) transactions are recorded when EnableRcrdReg is set. Mux 4324 samples signals HREADY 307 and PENABLE 1603. The signals indicate that a valid transaction is on the bus that may be recorded unless masked by field 3300A.

History Stack Pointer:

History stack pointer 3500, as shown in FIG. 35, keeps track of where the next entry in buffer 4313-4315 will be made while history module 234 is recording. When an entry is made in buffers 4313-4315, pointer 3501 is updated. When history module 234 stops making entries in buffers 4313-4315, the value of 3501 points to the last entry plus one.

Extracting Recorded History Information:

As stated above, when recording stops, history stack pointer 3501 points to the “oldest recorded entry”. MP 240 bus master (not shown) reads the history address buffer 4313 and history module 234 places the recorded entry into register 4300 (FIG. 43) and history stack pointer now pointing to the last entry read is incremented by one. APB bridge 235 returns the recorded entry to MP 240 bus master and it increments it's read count. After buffer 4313 is read, the same process is applied to buffers 4314 and 4315.

FIG. 45 shows a flow diagram of executable process steps in history module 207 for recording bus transactions in system 200, according to one aspect of the present invention.

Turning in detail to FIG. 45, is step S4500, the process sets up registers for recording. Field 4300A is set to “EnableRcrdReg” (also referred to as “EnRcrdReg” in FIG. 43)to record transactions.

In step S4501, the process determines if field 3300E is set to enable any break point testing. Field 3300J in register 3300 may be used to specify break point conditions.

In step S4502, transactions are recorded. Bus (208 and 236) transactions are recorded when EnableRcrdReg field 4300 is set. Signals HREADY 307 and PENABLE 1603 are sampled by Mux 4324. The signals indicate that a valid transaction is on the bus that may be recorded unless masked by field 3300A. When an entry is made in buffers 4313-4315, pointer 3501 is updated. When history module 234 stops making entries in buffers 4313-4315, the value of 3501 points to the last entry plus one.

In step S4503, based on whether break point condition testing is enabled, history module 234 tests for break point conditions. Based on the setting of EnBPStp 3300E, history module 234 may continue or stop break point condition testing after a particular break point is encountered.

In step S4504, the process determines the value of TM field 3300G. This sets the amount of data that is to be recorded after a break point condition is detected. It is noteworthy that steps S4502-4504 may occur simultaneously.

In step S4505, recording is stopped and field 4300A is cleared.

In step S4506, recorded information is extracted. MP 240 bus master (not shown) reads the history address buffer 4313 and history module 234 places the recorded entry into register 4327 (FIG. 44A) and history stack pointer 3501 is incremented by one. APB bridge 235 returns the recorded entry to MP 240 bus master and it increments its' read count. After buffer 4313 is read, the same process is applied to buffers 4314 and 4315.

In one aspect of the present invention, history module 234 provides visibility to transactions on the internal AHB Bus 236 or APB Bus 208.

In one aspect of the present invention, history module 234 selects specific slave or peripheral transactions for recording based on a slave or peripheral mask. This allows selective monitoring of system 200 components.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the process described above provides break point conditions for stopping History module 234 recording. However, external break point signal may be continually provided after recording stops. In addition, break point conditions may be provided for an Address/Data break point and an Address Range break point.

In another aspect of the present invention, an external analyzer is not required to record bus transactions. This saves pins and the effort required connecting system 200 to an external device so that its components can be monitored.

Firmware Synchronization:

DSPIM 210 provides an interface for communication between MP 240 and DSP 229 as a bridge between APB bus 208 and DSPAHB bus 233. DSPIM 210 provides an IN/OUT register file for passing command and status parameters between MP 240 and DSP 229. FIG. 46 and 47 show registers that are used for MP 240 and DSP 210 to communicate with each other. Register 4600 and 4700 are addressable from APB bus 208 and DSPAHB bus 233. Registers 4600 and 4700 provide a “mail box” for exchange of information between MP 240 and DSP 229. Register 4600 can be read and written by MP 240. MP 240 can only read register 4700, while DSP 229 may read or write. An attempt by MP 240 to write into register 4700 results in declaration of “address exception” by DSPIM 210. Contents of registers 4600 and 4700 are based on firmware and user defined parameters.

MP 240 writes in register 4600 and interrupt is sent to DSP 229. MP 240 sets field 4900C in status register 4900, which generates an interrupt to DSP 229.

FIG. 50 shows a flow diagram of communication between MP240 and DSP 229 using IN/Out registers 4600 and 4700, respectively.

In step S5000, MP 240 send information to DSP 229.

In step S5001, MP240 writes the information (or address of the information) in register 4600.

In step S5002, MP 240 sets field 4900C and generates an interrupt for DSP 229.

In step S5003, DSP 229 services the interrupt by reading register 4600 and clears field 4900C.

In step S5005, register 4600 is again available for MP 240 to write into register 4600.

DSPIM 210 is operationally coupled to memory module 212 via interface 230. MP 240 and DSP 229 for storing firmware control instructions and any other information may use memory module 212. Interface 230 allows APB bus 208 to access memory module 212 while DSPIM 210 executes firmware instructions.

Memory module 212 is shared using registers 4600, 4700 and semaphore register 5100 shown in FIG. 51. Semaphore register 5100 field 5100A provides firmware interlock when MP 240 acquires the semaphore. Semaphore register 5100 field 5100B provides hardware interlock when MP 240 acquires the semaphore. DSP 229 cannot execute a write access to any register except register 5100 or a status register.

Memory module 212 uses an indirect access register 5200 that facilitates communication between DSP 229 and MP 240 without using any counters. Memory module 212 uses at least a FIFO buffer from where data may be read and/or written. Memory module 212 uses register 5300 (FIG. 53) that includes FIFO data. MP 240 sets up field 5200A that allows indirect access. Field 5200G indicates the starting address of memory module 212. Each access to register 5300 updates field 5200G.

An indirect read transaction may be initiated by setting up field 5200A and 5200C. Each time register 5300 is accessed, the address in field 5200F is updated. If field 5200C is set then it indicates that the read access is a sequence of continual read accesses that keeps memory module 212 FIFO (not shown) full.

An indirect write access may be initiated by setting field 5200A and 5200B. After the indirect access, register 5300 is updated with data that is written into memory module 212. Each time data is written into register 5300, DSPIM 210 writes data into memory module 212.

One advantage of providing the mail-box” concept is that no write conflict occurs between MP 240 and DSP 229.

In one aspect, MP 240 and/or DSP 229 do not have to gain ownership and then relinquish ownership (clear) of any registers to communicate with each other. This saves performance time and improves overall efficiency, because the registers are dedicated.

In another aspect of the present invention, indirect access is available to access memory module 212.

In another aspect of the present invention, the IN/Out mailbox environment may be used to efficiently run test cases. MP 240 using Assembler or any other language may run test cases. A sub-set of test instructions may be executed by DSP 229. The mailboxes have a buffer (not shown) that keeps a real-time picture of a test case. When the test is complete, mail-boxes are unloaded and a report may be generated that can be used for bug fixing and analysis.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these embodiments are illustrative only and not limiting. Many other applications and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent in light of this disclosure and the following claims. 

1. An embedded disk controller, comprising: a first processor in communication with a first bus; a second processor in communication with a second bus; and an external bus controller (“EBC”) that is located on the embedded disk controller, that is coupled to an external bus and to at least one of the first bus and the second bus, and that manages a plurality of memory devices external to the embedded disk controller via the external bus, wherein a first one of the plurality of memory devices has at least one of different timing characteristics and a different data width than a second one of the plurality of memory devices.
 2. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 further comprising an external bus interface that communicates with the EBC and the external bus.
 3. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC includes a memory that stores at least one of a segment descriptor and a device range for the plurality of memory devices.
 4. The embedded disk controller of claim 3 wherein the segment descriptor includes at least one of address space sizes and timing characteristics of the plurality of memory devices.
 5. The embedded disk controller of claim 3 wherein the first processor accesses at least one of the plurality of memory devices based on at least one of the segment descriptor and the device range.
 6. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC selectively operates in an idle state based on at least an input signal.
 7. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC decodes an address to determine at least one of a read target and a write target among the plurality of memory devices.
 8. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC selectively operates in a sequential writing state and processes sequential write operations during the sequential writing state.
 9. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC writes to at least one of the plurality of memory devices when a write enable signal is de-asserted.
 10. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC determines whether input signals received at the EBC are valid.
 11. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC processes high performance bus transactions on the external bus.
 12. The embedded disk controller of claim 1 wherein the EBC controls a sequence of transactions on the external bus.
 13. An embedded disk controller, comprising: first processing means in communication with a first bus; second processing means in communication with a second bus; and external bus controller (“EBC”) means that is located on the embedded disk controller for communicating with an external bus and with at least one of the first bus and the second bus and for managing a plurality of memory devices external to the embedded disk controller via the external bus, wherein a first one of the plurality of memory devices has at least one of different timing characteristics and a different data width than a second one of the plurality of memory devices.
 14. The embedded disk controller of claim 13 further comprising external bus interface means for communicating with the EBC means and the external bus.
 15. The embedded disk controller of claim 13 wherein the EBC means includes memory means for storing at least one of a segment descriptor and a device range for the plurality of memory devices.
 16. The embedded disk controller of claim 15 wherein the segment descriptor includes at least one of address space sizes and timing characteristics of the plurality of memory devices.
 17. The embedded disk controller of claim 15 wherein the first processing means accesses at least one of the plurality of memory devices based on at least one of the segment descriptor and the device range.
 18. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means selectively operates in an idle state based on at least an input signal.
 19. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means decodes an address to determine at least one of a read target and a write target among the plurality of memory devices.
 20. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means selectively operates in a sequential writing state and processes sequential write operations during the sequential writing state.
 21. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means writes to at least one of the plurality of memory devices when a write enable signal is de-asserted.
 22. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means determines whether input signals received at the EBC means are valid.
 23. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means processes high performance bus transactions on the external bus.
 24. The embedded disk controller of claim 12 wherein the EBC means controls a sequence of transactions on the external bus.
 25. A method of operating an embedded disk controller that includes a first processor in communication with a first bus and a second processor in communication with a second bus, comprising: receiving an input signal at an external bus controller (“EBC”) that is located on the embedded disk controller, wherein the EBC is coupled to an external bus and to at least one of the first bus and the second bus; and managing a plurality of memory devices external to the embedded disk controller via the external bus with the EBC, wherein a first one of the plurality of memory devices has at least one of different timing characteristics and a different data width than a second one of the plurality of memory devices.
 26. The method of claim 25 further comprising determining at least one of timing characteristics and a device range of at least one of the plurality of memory devices at the EBC.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising asserting at least one of a write enable signal and a read enable signal based on the input signal and at least one of the determined timing characteristics and device range.
 28. The method of claim 25 further comprising storing at least one of a segment descriptor and a device range for the plurality of memory devices at the EBC.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the segment descriptor includes at least one of address space sizes and timing characteristics of the plurality of memory devices.
 30. The method of claim 28 further comprising accessing at least one of the plurality of memory devices based on at least one of the segment descriptor and the device range.
 31. The method of claim 25 further comprising selectively operating the EBC in an idle state based on at least the input signal.
 32. The method of claim 25 further comprising decoding an address at the EBC to determine at least one of a read target and a write target among the plurality of memory devices.
 33. The method of claim 25 further comprising: selectively operating the EBC in a sequential writing state; and processing sequential write operations during the sequential writing state.
 34. The method of claim 25 further comprising writing to at least one of the plurality of memory devices when a write enable signal is de-asserted.
 35. The method of claim 25 further comprising determining whether the input signal is valid.
 36. The method of claim 25 further comprising processing high performance bus transactions on the external bus.
 37. The method of claim 25 further comprising controlling a sequence of transactions on the external bus. 